Are you in search of a new boiler? Do a simple Google search and the results will bring you several companies selling boilers from different brands online. This has made the process of buying a boiler online simpler.

Buying a Boiler Online

With so many boilers make and models, it is complicated to choose the right boiler when you are buying one online. These steps will help you understand what to expect when buying a new boiler online:

Step 1: What type of boiler do you need?

Boilers are available in different types. Households in the UK are choosing combi boilers because they are efficient. They heat the hot water on demand. The boiler has no storage tanks. It is directly connected to the water mains. It’s ideal for small homes, flats, and apartments that have 1-2 bathrooms.

Before setting out to buy a boiler, you need to know what type of boiler will suit your household needs. The three common types of boilers include:

Conventional boilers: These are the heat-only boilers that are now less popular. They have a cold-water storage tank and a hot water cylinder. You will need extra space such as a loft to store the boiler.

System boilers: These boilers need a hot water storage cylinder only, not a water thank. Most of the main components are built into the system. The pump and expansion vessel are built-in as well.

Combi boilers: Combi boilers don’t use storage tanks altogether. They provide hot water on demand. The cold water is supplied from the mains connection directly.

Step 2: Determine your budget

The budget always dictates our choices. It is best to be clear on your budget beforehand and stick to it when shopping for a boiler.

Boiler prices vary. The pricing depends on the brand, type of boiler, and size. Remember – the price tag attached to a boiler does not include the cost of installation. 

Step 3: Get quotes

Get boiler quotes from at least 3 sources. Get these quotes in writing. The cheapest quote is not always the best one. Evaluate what you are getting with your money. At the same time, don’t overspend.

Step 4: Choose the right installer

Ask the manufacturer if they offer boiler installation services. If not, you will have to arrange an installer separately.

Always choose a qualified gas safe heating engineer to install a boiler. To be certain, check their credentials. Boiler installation may take 2 to 3 days. If you are upgrading your heating system, it will require more work. Hence, the installation will take more than 2 days.

Getting Online Quotes for a New Boiler

Getting a good quote for a new boiler is not simple. As you follow these tips, you might find a good deal:

Prepare some answers: Generally, providers ask a few questions to understand what type of boiler you are looking for and then give you a quote. Here are some questions you need to prepare answers for:

• What type of boiler do you currently have?
• Is it a gas or an electric boiler?
• Do you have a small flat or a large home?
• Where is the boiler located?
• They might ask your postcode to search for boiler installers in your area.

The company will give you quotes based on the information provided. Compare the offers and choose the boiler you like. As mentioned earlier, get quotes from 3 different providers. Compare the prices and select the one that fits your budget.

Benefits of Buying a Boiler Online

Buying a boiler online comes with its perks. Such as:

• You don’t have to deal with a salesperson.
• It is easy to explore the websites of different boiler brands and compare your options.
• You can take as much time as you want to for making the final decision. Nobody will be there to pressure you.
• It’s an opportunity for saving money by comparing quotes from different providers.
• Some providers give you the liberty to choose an installation date that suits you
• Some brands offer flexible payment options if you buy the boiler online. This is a great chance for those who have a limited budget.

Will I Still Get A Warranty?

Yes, even if you are buying the boiler online, the company will give you a warranty on the product. It could be anywhere between 2 to 10 years.

Cost of a New Boiler: New boilers are a significant investment and hence they cost more. It will cost you between £500 and £2,500 and you will have to pay the installation cost separately. The cost of installation varies depending on the following requirements:

Pipework: When you are upgrading your heating system, you will new pipework too. Such upgrades increase the overall cost of installation.

Radiators: You might have to add more radiators to make the most out of your heating system. More radiators are needed if there are more rooms in the house.

Power flushing: All heating systems need power flushing before installing a new boiler. Power flushing involves cleaning the system with water mixed with chemicals. It clears the grime built-up in pipes and removes cold spots.

The cost of a modern boiler is higher no doubt but when its energy efficiency benefits are considered, you could be saving up to 50 percent on heating bills. A non-condensing boiler is classified as a G-rated boiler and its energy efficiency is less than 70 percent. If you replace this boiler with an A-rated condensing boiler, you will save up to 90 percent energy.

When Do You Need A New Boiler?

It is not hard to figure out when you need to replace an old boiler. Don’t wait for your boiler to stop working to get a new one. Look for these signs. They usually mean you need a new boiler:

Check the condition of the boiler: Always be aware of the condition of the boiler. Carry out visual inspections to look for signs of damp, rush, leaks or dirt. If there are leaks around the boiler, it will soon start rusting. This means the boiler is falling apart.

How old is your boiler? As the boiler starts ageing, it becomes inefficient. It could also pose the risk of releasing carbon monoxide fumes. If it’s old, you probably need to replace it.

Check the label for rating: Boilers are rated for efficiency under the label. The most efficient boilers have A rating. The less efficient boilers have G-rating. If the boiler installed in your home is G-rated, you must consider upgrading it.

Check your energy bills: Take out the energy bills of the past 6 months. If the bills are increasing faster than normal, this could be because of an inefficient boiler. This is an indication that you should get a new boiler.

The condition of the radiators: When you turn on the heating, how long do the radiators take to warm up? If they take a long time, this could mean your boiler is on its last leg. In such a scenario, it’s recommended to replace the boiler with an energy-efficient model that heats quickly.

Unusual smell: A boiler that is working in good condition never gives off any odour. It starts giving an unusual smell when carbon monoxide is leaking. This gas is odourless on its own but when the boiler burns, a faint smell can be sensed.

Other signs that your boiler is releasing carbon monoxide include: 

• Yellow or orange flame
• Yellow or brown stains around the boiler
• Pilot light blows out frequently
• Condensation inside the windows in the room where the boiler is installed
• If you hear louder noises like clunking or banking, this means your boiler will soon wear out.

Tips for Buying a New Boiler

Whether you are buying the boiler offline or online, consider these tips to find the best one:

Consider the size of your home: It’s important to buy the correct boiler size to meet the heating needs of your house. A unit that is too big, has to turn on and off too fast. That could leave your home cold. On the other hand, a unit that is too small has to work hard for heating the home. The wrong size could raise the heating bills and even damage some parts of the heating system. In both cases, it would affect the lifespan of your unit.

Along with knowing your household needs, you must know which boiler size is ideal for your property. Boilers are available in 4 different sizes:

• 24 to 25 kW output is suitable for homes and flats with 2 to 3 bedrooms and 10 radiators
• 28 to 30 kW output is suitable for a medium home with up to 15 radiators
• 33 to 35 kW output is suitable for a large house with 20 radiators
• 40 kW and higher output is suitable for larger houses with more than 20 radiators
• If you are not sure what size you will need for your house, ask a heating engineer for assistance.

Choose the right brand: Don’t be tempted to buy a cheaper boiler from a lesser-known brand. Only go with the purchase if you are confident about the brand. Popular boiler brands include Ideal, Worcester Bosch, Vokera, Baxi, Vaillant, and Viessman.

Check the boiler’s efficiency: Always check the efficiency of the boiler. Some households upgrade from an older to a new model because they want to cut down the energy bills. Boilers with higher efficiency are expensive but after the initial cost, you will be saving money on the heating bill.

Does it need maintenance: Heating systems need regular maintenance for optimal performance. This extends the life of the unit. Find out how often the boiler needs maintenance. Usually, a certified engineer must inspect the unit once a year. The annual check-up is meant to ensure the boiler is functioning efficiently. 

Type of boiler: You must also know which type of boiler will meet the heating needs of your house the best. Steam boilers have been replaced by energy-efficient combi boilers. They provide hot water on demand and they are ideal for small homes.

Check the grant schemes: Grant schemes are meant to help people with low income to buy an energy-efficient boiler. Schemes such as Energy Company Obligation and The Green Deal might make the purchase affordable for you. 

Questions to Ask When Getting a New Boiler

These questions will assist you in the purchase further:

Are the existing controls compatible with the new boiler?

You must ask this question from a heating gainer. They will be able to tell you if the boiler you wish to buy is compatible with the existing heating controls. If the controls are compatible but they are old, you will still have to replace them to increase efficiency.

Are there any after-sale services?

Is the company willing to offer after-sale services once they have delivered the boiler to your place? Reputable companies always keep in touch with their customers.

What guarantee comes with the boiler?

A new boiler always comes with a warranty. If the boiler develops a fault, manufacturers usually send a heating engineer to fix the underlying issue or replace the boiler at zero cost. Ask the providers if they are offering a guarantee along with the warranty. A guarantee gives you more rights. To activate it, you need to register the boiler with the manufacturers. The boiler must also be listed on the Gas Safe Register. This proves that a qualified engineer has installed it.

Are there any discounts?

New boilers are expensive. With discounts, there is a possibility to find an efficient model at a price that falls within your budget. Some companies provide financing options too. Don’t hesitate to ask the company for discounts or payment installation.

Final Words

Buying a new boiler online is straightforward. It gives you the freedom to compare different manufacturers and choose a brand, boiler type, and size that meets the heating needs of your house.